Ore-Ida Sweet Potato Fries

Processed foods scare me. The long, illegible ingredient lists; the unknown effects on my health/organs; and the unwelcome additions to my waistline.

With that being said, I rarely by frozen, pre-packaged foods that I could easily make on my own with fresh, natural ingredients. But when FoodBuzz offered me a free bag of Ore-Ida frozen sweet potato fries as part of their Tastemaker Program, I was optimistic. I was willing to give them a chance.

Stop and Shop had this product on sale, two for $6 total. At 6 servings per bag, that makes this bag of fries go for 50 cents per serving. Not a bad deal at all – but was the taste (and ingredient list) worth it?

First, let’s take a look at the ingredients:

Sweet potatoes, canola oil, modified food starch, rice flour, tapioca dextrin, sea salt, leavening (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate), xantham gum, annatto (color), sodium acid pyrophosphate. 

I love how sweet potatoes are the number one ingredient – I mean, why shouldn’t they be? – but there are some scary additions to the mix, as you can see. Despite the worrisome additives, the fries were surprisingly crispy, well seasoned, and not overly greasy (although they were a little greasier than I'd prefer).

Dipped in ketchup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, Ore-Ida’s sweet potato fries are quite delicious. But because of the slightly illegible ingredient list, I probably won’t be buying these again. It’s just as affordable to buy a few fresh potatoes and bake them in my oven, topped with olive oil and seasonings.

Do you buy a lot of pre-packaged/frozen foods? Why or why not?

Tavern on the Water

To get me out of the house (so Z could prepare for my surprise party), a few of my girlfriends took me out for a birthday lunch at Tavern on the Water in Charlestown. Tavern on the Water boasts gorgeous views of the Boston skyline and a sunny outdoor deck that gets a cooling comfort from the sea breeze (even on 90 degree days).

For a party of four, we did not have to wait long at all for a table on the deck, despite how crowded the restaurant was. Thirsty, yet feeling celebratory, I ordered an ice water and a glass of pinot grigio, served in a classy plastic wine glass (we ordered a bottle to split among the table - it's cheaper!).

For an appetizer, we all split the Queso Dip ($8.50), served with flash fried tortilla chips - because what's better than hot, spicy cheese on a humid July day? Nothing!

The cheese dip was traditionally spicy, wonderfully chunky and oh-so satisfying. I can never get enough gooey, melted cheese. 

For an entree, I ordered the Greek Salad ($9.50), served with feta cheese, olives and oregano vinaigrette. Despite the steep price tag, it was perfectly lightly dressed, and the vegetables (especially the grape tomatoes) were obviously fresh. For being a simple Greek Salad, it was rather impressive. 

The food at Tavern on the Water is not mind blowing, but it's definitely worth the money. Sitting on the deck and watching the boats go by also made dining there a relaxing, scenic experience. Despite the sunburn lines I have now from our sunny lunch there, I definitely plan to go back soon - but maybe for dinner, when the sun has set a little bit. 

Have you ever been to Tavern on the Water? What's your review?

Fried Egg with Spicy Rice and Beans

Between the new house, the humidity and my decreasing desire to cook in my current, tiny kitchen, I have had next to no motivation to cook these days. Let's just say the dozen eggs in my freezer have gone to great use lately. But the other night, the thought of eating yet another fried egg sandwich with cheese and salsa was just not appealing to me. So I improvised.

Fried Egg with Spicy Rice and Beans

Yields: 3-4 servings

-3 cups of rice, cooked according to package directions

-3 eggs

-6 jarred jalapeno slices, diced

-1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

-1 tbsp. olive oil

-1/2 tsp. minced garlic

-1 tsp. cumin

-1/2 tbsp. chili powder

-1 tsp. dried cilantro

-Lime juice, to taste

-Salt and black pepper, to taste
-1/2 cup salsa (preferably hot)

Directions:
1.) Heat olive oil in a large pan over low to medium heat; add black beans and jalapenos. Let cook for about two minutes until beans are slightly heated through.
2.) Add garlic, cumin, chili powder and salt and pepper; stir. Add cilantro and lime juice, and let cook off for 30 seconds. Lower heat, and let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
3.) While beans are simmering, fry egg in a separate pan, without breaking the yolk. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4.) In each serving bowl, spoon in one cup of the cooked rice, followed by a layer of the bean mixture. Spoon some salsa on top of that, and then top each bowl with a fried egg.

I love runny eggs all by themselves, but over spicy beans and rice? Amazing. And wonderfully comforting, without sitting like a rock in your stomach. This just may become my new go-to meal.

Have you been cooking a lot lately in this humidity? Where does your motivation come from?

Celebrating 27

Birthdays are so much more than just party hats and cake (even when that cake was made from scratch by your boyfriend).

Birthdays are so much more than presents and celebratory drinks (even when those drinks are enjoyed on the sunny deck of Tavern on the Water with girlfriends).

Birthdays are also nothing about being another year older - even when that year marks the "official late twenties" era of your life. 

Birthdays are about your friends and family who care enough about you to make your day (and you) feel as special as humanly possible. Birthdays are all about appreciating the gift of another year of life with those very special people. 

My 27th birthday was Sunday. Z, and about 20 of my friends and family, surprised the heck out of me with a birthday party/BBQ at Z's home. I sobbed - in front of everybody - and was so unbelievably touched by their love and kindness on that day (and, well, everyday). I am convinced my 27th year of life will be the best yet, because of the people in my life. Thank you!

ButterGirl Baking Co. in Somerville

It doesn't get much more local than this.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a private tasting at the home of ButterGirl Baking Co., located in Somerville. Melissa was kind enough to invite me, and other bloggers in attendance included Molly and Rachel.

Laurelyn, the mastermind behind ButterGirl Baking Co., runs her baking business out of her quaint apartment in Somerville. With a simple passion for everything sweet, it was clear that this baker knows what she is doing - based off the wide variety of cookies, brownies, bars and pastries on her circular dining room table. Laurelyn even served us wine.

Wine AND baked goods? I knew I was in for a treat.

Laurelyn chatted with us about how she's always loved to bake, and how some of her family's recipes have ended up in her baking business (i.e. her Brown Sugar Shortbread cookies). Other varieties we tried included Double Chocolate Heart cookies...

Brown Sugar Shortbread and Double Chocolate Hearts.

Oatmeal Almond Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies...

Pictured with Flourless Peanut Butter cookies.

Pecan Squares...

And my favorite of the evening: The rich, decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownies.

Everything we sampled was clearly made with "real" ingredients, and, as cheesy as it sounds - a whole lot of love. Even Laurelyn's Chocolate Chip Cookies were outstanding - they were thick, slightly chewy and chocked full of mini chocolate chips (they're also available with walnuts).

The best part? You can enjoy ButterGirl's creations, too, by simply clicking here. Orders cost anywhere from $15 to $45, on average. And because Laurelyn and I know how much you all like to save a buck (or two) - she is being generous enough to let EE readers take an extra 20% off their first ButterGirl order. To apply the discount, simply use coupon code "foodies" at checkout, and enjoy 20% off these indulgent, homemade treats. 

If you could try any treat from ButterGirl Baking Co., which treat would it be and why?

An Economical Vacation in the White Mountains

Before the long weekend commenced, Z and I took a few days off to enjoy some time in the White Mountains before the holiday crowd overtook the area. Bright and early Thursday morning, we packed the car and made the sunny road trip up north.

Our destination: Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch, N.H.

After a fun and relaxing road trip, we were excited to have finally arrived at our destination 3.5 hours later.

Our trip – which, for three nights and four days cost us only $400, most meals included - consisted of some scenic hikes, new friends and surprisingly great weather.

We also ate very, very well, including a return trip to a place I’ve been dying to go back to for over three years now: Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewing Co.

Located in one of North Conway's historic buildings, Moat Mountain features refined American eats as well as an impressive beer list, complete with their own brews, as well as some domestic and local brews. Z and I both had a sampler of Moat's own creations, which were all fantastic, with the exception of the Czech Pilsner. It just was not tasty. 

For a snack, we split the Mexican Nachos ($9.99), simply dressed with black beans and cheese, with salsa on the side. We also ordered a side of guacamole ($1.99). Despite the simplicity of the snack, the nachos were wonderfully crispy, and the toppings were consistently generous throughout. No soggy nachos here!

On Saturday afternoon, our trip in the White Mountains had come to an end, but our vacation did not stop there. Before an intense game of miniature golf in Lincoln, N.H. (which I won, might I add), Z and I had lunch al fresco at Woodstock Inn Brewery in Woodstock. There, I had a Raspberry Weasel Wheat Ale (and, later, a Pig's Ear Brown Ale, not pictured).

For our appetizer, we split the Loon Golden Ale Dip ($6.99), made with roasted garlic, jalapenos, gorgonzola, spinach and roasted red pepper. Served with spent grain flatbread and tortilla chips, this creamy, rich dip was addictive and delicious. 

For my entree, I ordered the Tuscany Salad ($9.99), which came with more gorgonzola cheese, mesclun greens, roasted mixed mushrooms, fresh pineapple, red onion, beets and honey roasted walnuts. Served with balsamic vinaigrette, this salad had a great blend of fresh summer flavors. The portion, however, was a little too unnecessarily big, and unfortunately about half of it went to waste. 

Overall, we had a fantastic vacation - it was so nice to get away, enjoy the scenery and not have cell service for a few days.

How was your long weekend?

Brunching with Bloggers at Avenue One

Last Sunday, I attended the most recent gathering of Boston Brunchers at Avenue One in the Hyatt in downtown Boston. I was there to rep for Eversave (with Colleen) as well as The EE. The generous folks at Avenue One were happy to accommodate our large group of about 30 bloggers, and even opened their terrace specifically for us, as not to disrupt the normal Sunday brunch crowd inside.

Despite the humidity at 10 a.m. that day, Avenue One's terrace was comfortable, and quiet - I quickly forgot I was in the city, which I found to be a very nice aspect of the setting. 

Chef Kelly Armetta had a great spread for us bloggers that morning, including some fresh cheeses and delicious homemade granola with yogurt...

Made-to-order French toast and pancakes...

A great spread of freshly baked pastries (including a delightful cheese and strawberry danish), as well as seasonal fruit (including yellow watermelon, my latest obsession).

Not pictured were the fantastic, elegant egg dishes that were prepared, including an omelette filled with Grafton cheddar, caramelized onions and portabello mushrooms.

Chef Armetta charmed the crowd of bloggers while he described that morning's menu, cracked a few jokes, and welcomed us to his restaurant.

Of course, brunch would not be complete without a Bloody Mary - so I had one. Avenue One served us those along with mimosas, fruit smoothies, orange juice and coffee, to name a few. 

Although our brunch experience was not typical for Avenue One, and cost us $25 each including tax and tip, they do have a very popular brunch on Sundays inside, buffet-style. Chef Armetta has a passion for local, seasonal ingredients, and his attention to quality pays off in the finished product. I will definitely be back to Avenue One again for brunch, as well as an after-dinner drink on their terrace (which is open Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to close, weather permitting).

What's your favorite place for brunch in the Boston area?